DESPITE a growing concern that Thurrock is being left behind in the programme to offer vaccination against Covid-19 to vulnerable local people and key workers Thurrock's Clincial Care Commissioning Group has done its best to assure people that immunisation is being rolled out in the borough as fast as it can be.

A number of local people, including borough councillors, had raised concern about the lack of venues in a borough of 170,000 people where vaccinations are taking place and they said many local people who thought they would qualify for a jab have been told it may not be until late January that they get the opportunity.

Currently just one venue, Stifford Clays Health Centre, is offering the vaccine to people who are notified directly that they should attend.

Last week Thurrock Nub news reported on the first vaccinations.

However, it has been reported that the turnover at the centre has been much less than expected and the mechanism to process those who should be getting vaccinated is flawed.

But a statement from Thurrock Clinical Care Commissioning Group says things are on track and the concerns are not found in reality.

We were told: "The vaccination programme is a huge programme of work with many logistical issues to overcome, not least the operational delivery of this particular vaccine.

"This is being delivered by primary care networks who receive the vaccine in a phased way and small batches.

"You will be invited if you meet the eligibility criteria, currently that's over 80s who are able to walk and are not housebound. We thank people for their patience and ask that you don't contact the practice to ask when your vaccination will be delivered, they will contact you."